DRX9000 Greensboro, North Carolina (NC) Salama Chiropractic Center. Chiropractor Herniated, Degenerative, Bulging, Slipped Discs.

Causes Of Low Back Pain

Back Facts
Back Anatomy
Causes of Low Back Pain
Testing
Treatment Options

Degenerative Disc Disease and Low Back Pain

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a gradual process that may compromise the spine. Although DDD is relatively common, its effects are usually not severe enough to warrant medical attention. In this discussion we address Degenerative Disc Disease in the lumbar spine.

Degenerative Changes to a Disc

Degenerative changes in the spine are often referred to those that cause the loss of normal structure and/or function. The intervertebral disc is one structure prone to the degenerative changes associated with wear and tear aging, even misuse (e.g. smoking).
Long before Degenerative Disc Disease can be seen radiographically, biochemical and histologic (structural) changes occur. Some of these changes are not unlike those associated with osteoarthritis.

Over time the collagen (protein) structure of the annulus fibrosus weakens and may become structurally unsound. Additionally, water and proteoglycan (PG) content decreases. PGs are molecules that attract water. These changes are linked and may lead to the disc's inability to handle mechanical stress. Understanding the lumbar spine carries a large portion of the body's weight; the stress from motion may result in a disc problem (e.g. herniation).

Non-Operative Treatment: Yesterday vs. Today

DDD is a disorder that may cause low back pain. It is interesting to note that although 80% of adults will experience back pain, only 1-2% will need lumbar spine surgery!
In the past some physicians prescribed long courses of bedrest and/or lumbar traction for their patients with low back pain. However, that is not the attitude today. During the acute phase, bedrest may be recommended for a few days, but beyond that experts advocate stretching, flexion and extension exercises, and no/low impact aerobics. Of course, each patient is different and therefore so is their treatment plan.

Don’t live life in pain!